Officials of the Agriculture Department in Ballari have adopted an integrated approach to create awareness among the cotton growers with regard to preventing and controlling attacks by the pink bollworm.
As many as 10 teams have been formed comprising an agricultural officer, scientist, representatives of seeds and pesticides dealers and ‘krishi anuvugaararu’ to go round villages in each taluk and create awareness.
The approach comes in the wake of reports of pink bollworm attacks in some parts of the district. Cotton is one of the major crops in Ballari and Sirguppa taluks that have irrigation cover.
Shivanagouda Patil, Deputy Director, Agriculture, who is overseeing the functioning of the teams, said they have covered 45 villages in Sirguppa taluk. During their visit, they explain through an audio-video presentation in detail about the pink bollworm and the measures to prevent and control its attack. These include sowing of non-Bt cotton seeds, (provided along with Bt cotton seeds), installing of traps and lures, taking up spraying and also destroying stubbles and unopened bolls after harvest. In addition, people are also to be given brochures and pamphlets. Similarly, another ten teams had been formed to go around Ballari taluk.
“Instead of one person approaching farmers and suggesting remedies, we planned to involve all those concerned so that cotton growers are convinced to adopt all necessary measures. The members of the team will be given a brief training about their role. At present, efforts put in are being appreciated by farmers. We hope that they successfully prevent and control pink bollworm attacks and get good yields,” Mr. Patil told The Hindu.
